Real Brownfields Deserve Dollars I
read with interest the story on Brownfield development dollars in the
July 20 issue. I applaud Dan Lathrop and other county commissioners who
voted “No” on the Randolph Street project...

Hopping Mad Carlin
Smith is hopping mad (“Will You Get Mad With Me?” 7-20-15). Somebody
filed a fraudulent return using his identity, and he’s not alone. The AP
estimates the government “pays more than $5 billion annually in
fraudulent tax refunds.” Well, many of us have been
hopping mad for years. This is because the number one tool Congress has
used to fix this problem has been to cut the IRS budget –by $1.2 billion
in the last 5 years...

Just Grumbling, No Solutions Mark
Pontoni’s grumblings [recent Northern Express column] tell us much
about him and virtually nothing about those he chooses to denigrate. We
do learn that Pontoni may be the perfect political candidate. He’s
arrogant, opinionated and obviously dimwitted...

A Racist Symbol I
have to respond to Gordon Lee Dean’s letter claiming that the
confederate battle flag is just a symbol of southern heritage and should
not be banned from state displays. The heritage it represents was the
treasonous effort to continue slavery by seceding from a democratic
nation unwilling to maintain such a consummate evil...

Not So Thanks I
would like to thank the individual who ran into and knocked over my
Triumph motorcycle while it was parked at Lowe’s in TC on Friday the
24th. The $3,000 worth of damage was greatly appreciated. The big dent
in the gas tank under the completely destroyed chrome badge was an
especially nice touch...

Luxe Line in Petoskey: b.may bags

Luxe Line in Petoskey: b.may bagsBy Kristy KurjanA luxury handbag designer in Petoskey- Yes, its true! B.may bags, byBarbara May, are handcrafted in Northern Michigan and sought after bywomen throughout the country. The chic bags and accessories are createdout of opulent materials including crocodile, python, and soft leathers,which make these highly coveted handbags simply stunning.Artist turned designer and entrepreneur, Barbara May, has a minimalistdesign aesthetic when it comes to her high-end bags and accessories. Maydescribes her designs as honest and true to myself and our product. Herdesign philosophy is to keep it basic by focusing on the beautiful skins,lavish materials and simplistic structures.The antithesis of fussy, the bags are lightweight, free of hardware andlack oversized logos. Because of this, customers tend to seek out thebrand for the value and quality of the skins. The classic style allows thebags to transcend seasons, lasting longer and surpassing trends. Fans ofthe luxe line also appreciate that the product is not over-distributed,unlike other popular handbag designers.

HAND-PAINTEDTo me, they are more of a piece of art than a handbag, says SimoneYoung, a loyal customer who has a collection of b.may bags including twocustom pieces. I always have one of her bags on me. The simplicity of thelines is what I really like and her hand-painted skins are beautiful!A single b.may bag runs from $75 for a small embossed pouch to over $1,000for an oversized exotic skinned purse. In recent years the line hasexpanded to include belts, key chains and iPod cases. For the woman who islooking for a special item, the company creates one-of-a-kind customorders.Although b.may is based out of Petoskey, the collection of luxury handbagsand accessories are the envy of women across the country. The line is soldat over 44 specialty boutiques throughout the United States. In Michiganthe bags are distributed to stores in Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Grosse PointeWoods and Harbor Springs.The core of the b.may team is lead by Barbara May and her businesspartner, Chris Van Winkle, who moved to Petoskey from San Francisco tohelp the business grow. The company employs a small staff who produce,sew, and sell the products.The baglab is where Barbara May and her incredible rockstar productionteam dream up new products. One visit to the location will reveal thatshe is no ordinary designer. The lab has a cottage feel from the exterior,yet indoors you are transformed into a world of python textures andhandbag heaven. This is where the magic happens.Self taught, May started designing after literally dreaming up her initialhandbag. She begins the process by fabricating a prototype. Once the baggoes into production, everything is handcrafted in the lab. It isimportant to note that the company does not use endangered or illegalskins and most of these skins are by-product.We sell lots of one of a kind and custom bags here and its where all thebags that are sold all over the country are made, says May. I am verygrateful for all of their dedication and expertise.

THE BACK STORYHow does a luxury goods company end up in Northern Michigan? I grew upspending summers on Grand Traverse Bay, explains May. My parents stillsummer there and I love being close to them and living and working in sucha beautiful place.Barbara May holds a background in film, originally training at GulfIslands Film & Television School in Vancouver. She got a degree in finearts and film production before setting up shop as an accessoriesdesigner. Her film production past helped with transition to designinghandbags. Film production is like the military- it teaches focus anddiscipline, explains May. It also taught me to frame my ideas and editwhat isnt absolutely necessary.There is never an average day for Barbara May and her team. One week theyare sourcing leathers in Italy. The next day, stitching a one-of-a-kindpython purse in Petoskey. Then May could be off to a trunk show in Miami.What is next for b.may bags? Our goal is to continue to grow ourwholesale business while keeping the personal aspect of our retailbusiness, says May. Our online business is still in itsinfancy-wholesale and local retailers are both important.Want to know more about the luxurious handbags? Visit their baglab inPetoskey - its open to the public but an appointment is stronglysuggested as to better accommodate each client.

Visit their flag ship store in Harbor Springs: 253 East Main Street.b.mays baglab in Petoskey: 7503 US Highway 31 South (by appointment only)Online:www.bmaybags.com.